Campus Ministry returns to ASU

 by Jolie McCullough
 published on Friday, March 21, 2008

Brother Jed Smock stood outside Hayden Library waving the Bible in his hand, shouting passages at the mass of students that surrounded him.

Some students peered through the spectators with looks of curiosity. Others yelled at Smock, offended by his words. A few even held up their own signs in protest, with phrases such as "Free Homosexual Kisses" and "All you need is love."

Smock and The Campus Ministry USA spent the week before spring break at ASU trying to persuade students to turn away from common sins such as drinking, lying and masturbation.

It's not the first time that Smock and others have been to the school. He has been preaching at campuses around the nation for 35 years and has come to ASU almost annually.

Smock was a college professor during the 60s before he became heavily involved in drugs. After reading the Bible, however, he converted and has been spreading the word of God ever since, Smock said.

Earlier in his career, students protested Smock's preaching with more than signs.

"Into the mid-80s there used to be heavy police protection whenever I was on campus, since in the 70s I was attacked by a group of lesbians and had to be rescued by the police," Smock said.

Although police hardly ever attend the events now, many students still get upset at the way the ministry spreads its opinion.

"Their good message is so corrupted by their own personal belief," said freshman Jordan Woodruff. "They would much rather preach damnation than the teachings of the Bible."

Though students seem appalled by the words of the Ministry, Smock was pleased with the outcome.

"I am encouraged that the students are disturbed," Smock said. "They are because down deep they know what they do is not right."

Some students, such as freshman Kevin Heigi, worry about the effect this ministry will have on other religious groups that come to ASU.

"The problem is that if normal preachers ever come, people will attack them because they will think they're like them," he said.